Leander ISD takes important step to safeguard student health

Following a public hearing last week, the LISD Board of Trustees approved of the use of unassigned epinephrine on district campuses in accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC).

Our intention is to have this important health care tool in place during the next school year.

Epinephrine is a prescription medication used to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings or bites, food, drugs or other substances. Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives and reduce swelling of the face, lips and throat. Without the immediate administration of epinephrine, those who are having a severe allergic reaction can go into anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

LISD students with known anaphylactic reactions have parent-provided epinephrine, known as assigned epinephrine. The Baylor College of Medicine, though, warns that 20 percent of children will have their first episode of an allergic reaction — and in some of those cases anaphylaxis — in schools. That is why LISD believes that such an effective emergency treatment, known as unassigned epinephrine, should be available for all students.

Physician oversight will be secured before the program takes effect, and LISD will thoroughly train staff who have the responsibility of administering the unassigned epinephrine. If a student shows signs of an anaphylactic event and was not diagnosed by a doctor, administering an unassigned epinephrine may be life-saving.

We are fortunate to have a team of health care professionals that dedicate their time and efforts to our highest priority: keeping our students safe. In the hands of our highly trained and caring health care professionals, unassigned epinephrine is another important tool to ensure that students are safe in our care.